Paris Saint-Germain (PSG) came from behind and withstood a late scare to draw 2–2 against AS Monaco on Wednesday, advancing to the Champions League last 16 with a 5–4 aggregate victory.
The reigning European champions had already edged a dramatic first leg 3–2 in the principality after trailing by two goals. This time, the pattern was strikingly similar, with Monaco again reduced to 10 men as the tie swung in PSG’s favour.
Monaco, beaten just once in their previous 10 visits to the Parc des Princes, produced an assured first-half display. Maghnes Akliouche gave the visitors a deserved lead before the interval, levelling the aggregate score.
PSG, missing Ballon d’Or holder Ousmane Dembélé due to a calf injury, struggled to impose themselves early on. Monaco had opportunities to extend their advantage, with Folarin Balogun forcing a save from Matvei Safonov and Mamadou Coulibaly blazing over from close range.
Akliouche eventually broke the deadlock just before half-time, finishing calmly after sustained pressure inside the PSG penalty area.
The turning point arrived in the 58th minute when Coulibaly was dismissed for a second bookable offence following a late challenge on Achraf Hakimi. It mirrored the first leg, when Monaco also had a player sent off.
PSG capitalised swiftly. From the resulting free-kick, the ball was worked wide to Désiré Doué, whose low delivery was turned in at close range by captain Marquinhos to make it 1–1 on the night.
With momentum now firmly on their side, the hosts went ahead in the 66th minute. Hakimi’s powerful effort was parried by goalkeeper Philipp Köhn, and Khvicha Kvaratskhelia reacted quickest to convert the rebound, seemingly sealing PSG’s progress.
Monaco refused to surrender. Substitute Jordan Teze struck in stoppage time, turning home a deflected cross to level the match at 2–2, and Wout Faes came agonisingly close to forcing extra time.
However, PSG held firm to secure their place in the next round and keep alive their hopes of retaining the trophy.
Under coach Luis Enrique, the Parisians will now await Friday’s draw to discover their route to the final in Budapest. Possible last-16 opponents include FC Barcelona and Chelsea FC.
